The tackle shop at Rocklands Mere Fishery, which was packed full of specialist fly fishing equipment, was gutted by thieves on June 26.

Owners of a south Norfolk fishery say their business is bouncing back after they lost £20,000 worth of stock in a burglary.

The tackle shop at Rocklands Mere Fishery, which was packed full of specialist fly fishing equipment, was gutted by thieves on June 26.

But the shop has now been transformed into a relaxing lodge for visiting fishermen complete with comfy sofas and coffee-making facilities, while the business has managed to continue its sales over the internet.

All stock is being kept away from the fishery while the owners decide how to keep it secure.

James Harrold, who began the business 10 years ago in Rockland St Peter, said: “Everything was taken including my own personal belongings. They even took my jacket off the back of the door. They cleared us out. They didn't leave anything at all so it's been like starting from scratch.”

He added: “The fishing lodge is next to the lake which has been there for about five years. We've had no problems before but we think it may have been someone who had either been fishing or been down to the lake who knew what was in the lodge.”

Mr Harrold, who runs the business alongside Katie Williams, said as yet no-one has been arrested for the burglary nor has any of the stolen equipment been recovered.

He also added that people had kindly donated tackle so the fishery could continue its fishing tuition.

“It was a big blow. We reinvested in more stock so we could continue trading online but it was also blow on a personal level because I've been running this for more than 10 years and you kind of trust people. The business is run on trust. People can come down and wander around so it's been a hard pill to swallow,” he said,